Promising stayer Cuban Sunday has earned the crack at the Group Two Alister Clark Stakes after an impressive win at Sandown.
The son of Victoria Derby winner Benicio made it three wins from eight starts when he charged away to land Wednesday’s The Cove Hotel Handicap (2100m).
Trainer Mick Price said the Alister Clark (2040m) under lights at Moonee Valley on March 18 was a stepping stone for Cuban Sunday while he holds a faint hope of getting him to the South Australian Derby (2500m) on May 7.
“The Alister Clark is in nine days and is probably a good race for him to have a go at,” Price said.
Cuban Sunday has had five runs this campaign and last start and should have won more easily at Kyneton when he got up in a photo finish after being boxed in until late in the race.
“He’s a nice horse and I would like to get him to the SA Derby but it is going to be hard to keep him up that long,” Price said.
“You have got to get the timing right and I am just hoping there is enough petrol in the tank.
“We may have some sort of attempt at it but it will be difficult because he is quite a high energy horse and burns off a bit of fuel.”
Ridden by apprentice Jake Noonan, Cuban Sunday ($6) settled in the first four and had too much stamina for his rivals scoring by 1-3/4 lengths from favourite Right Of Refusal ($4) and Mr Consolidator ($4.80).
Price said he was also aiming Encosta De Lago colt Echoes Of Heaven at the SA Derby.
Meanwhile, the Group Two Phar Lap Stakes (1500m) at Rosehill on Saturday week is the target for former New Zealander Blackie after his win in the carsales.com.au Handicap (1300m).
Trained by Mick Kent, the three-year-old is an OTI syndication and a last-start Kyneton winner at his Victorian debut.
He was bought after just two starts in New Zealand, which included a 1400m Rotorua maiden in November.
“I was a little bit concerned today as the track is pretty firm and I didn’t think he would let down that well,” Kent said.
An easing favourite from $2 to $2.70, Blackie was locked in a stirring battle over the last 200m with The Ruffian ($3.10) and got home in a photo finish.
Heavily backed Sertorius ($4.80 to $3.40) finished 2-1/4 lengths away in third place in the five-horse field.
AAP TURF
